You are here

Saunderson’s Elements of Algebra

Author(s):

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University)

Nicholas Saunderson (1682-1739) was a blind English mathematician. He served as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University. Although a good teacher and proficient mathematician, he did not publish his work. In 1740, after his death, his notes were published as Elements of Algebra, in ten books.

Saunderson’s portrait serves as the frontispiece.

Introducing the work is an “Advertisement” that can best be viewed by a modern reader as the author’s preface. It reveals Saunderson’s thoughts on teaching algebra.